Monday, December 4, 2023

AI can help to flag students struggling with mental health - Jamie Pitchforth, University World News

In a 2022 Student Minds survey in the United Kingdom, more than half (57%) of respondents self-reported a mental health issue. As the pressure to meet deadlines and achieve grades contributes to increased stress, the consequences of mental health issues can also lead to poor academic performance, dropping out of university and even self-harm. With the help of AI-driven technology, universities can quickly identify withdrawn behaviour – often a tell-tale sign of mental unwellness. If a student is spending most of their time confined to their accommodation, or continuously missing lessons, location services will pick it up. By leveraging this data, universities can then offer early intervention, whether from counsellors or mental health support teams.